McSweeney’s WHL Community Collective: Edmonton Oil Kings

Edmonton, Alta.- The Edmonton Oil Kings went big for the team’s 15th year participating in the city’s annual Read-In-Week.

The initiative sees figures from across the community read to young students through the first week of October in hopes of sharing how books and storytelling can fuel a community’s ability to grow, connect and imagine.

Oil Kings players visited 27 classrooms ranging from Grades 1-3 over five days, setting a new team record for participation in Read-In-Week.

“The most enjoyable part about participating in Read-In-Week is just interacting with the kids and putting a smile on their faces,” Oil Kings forward Landon Hanson said. “I feel like it’s really important to give back to the community and do little things like Read-In-Week in order to show our appreciation for everyone that supports us. Literacy is also a very important aspect of our lives and the more that the Oil Kings can show students that reading matters, the better.”

It was a record year for the Oil Kings at Read in Week last week! Your Oil Kings players visited over 27 classes connecting with youth and helping foster a love for reading! 📚
We want to say a huge thank you to all the schools and teachers that helped us organize such a great… pic.twitter.com/CjLkpCc9X0

— Edmonton Oil Kings (@EdmOilKings) October 16, 2024

Books like as “BOO” by Robert Munsch (Hanson says Robert Munsch books were a personal favourite when he was in elementary school) and “How Do Dinosaurs Say Trick-or-Treat” by Jane Yolen were big hits with the kids.

After reading books, players also did a question-and-answer session with each class, with kids quizzing the players on everything from their favourite number and hometown to whether they really play for the Oil Kings (Hanson had a 15-goal season to pad the resume).

Team staff say Read-In-Week is also just one building block in the team’s commitment to literacy in local schools.

Oil Kings graduate Drew Nichol, who suited up for his hometown team from 2007-10, has participated in Read-In-Week as a player and alumni, sharing his story of playing in the WHL, becoming a two-time U SPORTS Champion with the Alberta Golden Bears, and joining Edmonton Fire Rescue Services.

“The Oil Kings are proud to participate in Read-in-Week each and every year,” Oil Kings Director of Business Operations Kevin Radomski said. “Read-in-Week aligns directly with our values as an organization to connect with youth in our community and promote literacy in our schools.”

The Read-In-Week students were also among the crowd of more than 17,800 young fans who packed Rogers Place for the annual Hockey Hooky game on March 12, 2025.

The Western Hockey League strives to promote and foster a welcoming environment in communities close to our 22 clubs in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. Every team has the creative freedom to allow their players and staff to work with the organizations and groups that they are most passionate about. The end goal is to create and maintain long-lasting relationships and ongoing partnerships within their community.

Through the McSweeney’s WHL Community Collective, we aim to highlight these outstanding initiatives done by each club throughout the season.